A Rhode Island Debt Claim from 1728 [Manuscript]. Wanton, Joseph [1705-1780]. [Autograph Legal Document, Signed, Bristol, Rhode Island, July 5, 1728]. Single 12-1/4" x 7-1/2" leaf, franked below signature, docketed on verso ("Joseph Wanton's Release"). Light browning, horizontal and vertical creases, wax seal at signature, some separation along fold lines. $950. * This document certifies that Nathanial Southworth, Jr., has transferred land and money to Wanton to settle a debt. Wanton was a successful Newport, Rhode Island merchant who was involved with privateers during the French and Indian wars. He was also one of the original trustees of the school that eventually became Brown University. He served as Governor of Rhode Island from 1769-1775, but was removed from office for refusing to swear an oath of loyalty to the Continental Congress. He had frequent business dealings with the Southworth family, prominent residents of Middleborough, MA.